You know, sometimes I despair of this country. We looked at some local cricket clubs for our ds to go and play at.
First of all, there was no marketing of any clubs. I understand that marketing costs but even a leaflet in the children's book bags or someone coming into school to ask for players doesn't cost that much.
Secondly, because we didn't know anyone (that is, dh doesn't play cricket and dh works weekends so it was always me trooping up with ds) we were regarded as an outsider from the start.
We tried to sign him up to holiday clubs but were told straight out that he was too young, having been told initially that he could play. Then I looked up the cricket club adverts and it turned out he was old enough to play. Someone in his class (slightly younger than him) was asked to come along to the holiday club because the father plays in the senior side.
Of course, the senior sides have no non white people in them either!
So it seems, if you have an 'in' at the club, it's ok.
What with the lack of available info and the mission once you're even in, I'm really not surprised that most children who love cricket aren't playing. And without playing it in state school (which most don't, certainly at junior level), I can't see it ever improving!
Luckily, I've found a club that seems to cater for anyone but my goodness, it took some looking. And I just find it sad that a lot of these clubs seem so up their own backsides that they can't welcome children in to play with open arms!